Public Libraries Health Information Resources for Pandemic and Epidemic Control in North-Central Nigeria

Authors: Patricia Oomo Audu (Ph. D); Terwase Victoria Member (Ph. D)

Affiliation: Department of Library and Information Science, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi.

Corresponding Author: [email protected]

June 10, 2026

SIAR-Global Journal of Computer, Information & Library Science

Zenodo DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20630555

Crossref DOI: 10.66694/siar.gjcils20262002

Public Libraries Health Information Resources for Pandemic and Epidemic Control in North-Central Nigeria

Research Article Multidisciplinary

Abstract

This study examined the extent of health information service provision, dissemination channels, and the extent of information dissemination by public libraries for pandemic and epidemic control in North-Central Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and was conducted across six states namely: Benue, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, and Nasarawa. The population comprised 301 staff of public libraries. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that the extent of information service provision by public libraries is generally low, particularly in areas such as digital resource provision, health awareness programs, and outreach services. The study also found that public libraries rely predominantly on traditional dissemination channels such as posters, brochures, and notice boards, with limited utilization of digital platforms like social media and library websites. Additionally, the overall extent of information dissemination was found to be low in terms of frequency, coverage, and reach, especially to rural communities. Furthermore, the hypothesis test indicated a significant difference between the information services provided and actual dissemination practices (p < 0.05), revealing a gap between service availability and implementation. The study concluded that public libraries in North-Central Nigeria were not optimally positioned for effective pandemic and epidemic control through adequate health information provision and dissemination practices. The study recommends the adoption of digital technologies, improvement of ICT infrastructure, capacity building for library staff, and strengthened collaboration with health agencies to enhance the effectiveness of public libraries in public health communication.

Keywords

Public libraries, health information, information dissemination, pandemics, epidemics, North-Central Nigeria.

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Patricia Oomo Audu (Ph. D); Terwase Victoria Member (Ph. D) (2026). Public Libraries Health Information Resources for Pandemic and Epidemic Control in North-Central Nigeria. SIAR-Global Journal of Computer, Information & Library Science, Vol. 2, No. 2. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20630555

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Public Libraries Health Information Resources for Pandemic and Epidemic Control in North-Central Nigeria

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